The birthday of the
reigning emperor has been a national holiday since 1868.
Originally known as Tencho-setsu , it was renamed Tenno tanjobi in
1948. It is currently celebrated on December 23; Emperor Akihito
was born on this day in 1933. (N.B.: Prior to the death of Emperor
Hirohito in 1989, this holiday was celebrated on April 29. See
"Showa Day".)